Joe Schmidt replaces Declan Kidney as Ireland's new rugby coach

Leinster boss Joe Schmidt to take over from Declan Kidney as Irish rugby team gafferGoogle Images

Schmidt will join the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) on 1st July on a contract that will see him lead Ireland until after the 2016 RBS Six Nations.

To facilitate Joe in completing the season with Leinster and affording him time to select his Ireland management team, Ireland’s forthcoming summer tour of the USA and Canada will be managed by interim manager Les Kiss, as planned.

A squad announcement in relation to this tour will be made after the Lions squad for their tour of Australia is confirmed.

Announcing the appointment IRFU CEO Philip Browne, said: “The IRFU is delighted to announce Joe Schmidt as Ireland Team Coach following a process which, in the best interests of Irish rugby, allowed us to examine a variety of options and ultimately ensure we secured a world-class coach and undoubtedly the ideal person for the position.

"Joe has already delivered significant success to Irish rugby during his time with Leinster and we are confident that this will continue at international level.

We thank all of those who were involved in this appointment, particularly our colleagues in Leinster, for allowing us the time and space to meet with and ultimately appoint Joe as Ireland Coach.”

Joe Schmidt said: “It’s an honour to be selected as the Ireland Team Coach. I’m very conscious of the responsibilities that go with the position and look forward to working alongside the players in an effort to meet those responsibilities through the quality of our performance.

"I certainly appreciate the prompt and professional handling of the selection process by the IRFU, especially with regard to my current coaching commitment in Leinster, which I will continue to prioritise over the coming weeks.”